Government: "One-third of all Shincheonji believers show symptoms"... 1,638 symptomatic cases confirmed (Update)

Among over 30,000 believers, 110,000 fully surveyed
Symptomatic individuals self-quarantined... Asymptomatic also actively monitored

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 28th, the government announced that it has completed checking the presence or absence of symptoms of COVID-19 among one-third of all Shincheonji Church members. Among them, 1,638 symptomatic individuals have been immediately placed under self-quarantine and are undergoing diagnostic testing.

Kim Kang-lip, the 1st Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, said at a regular briefing that morning, "Out of approximately 310,000 Shincheonji Church members and trainees, we have confirmed the symptom status of about 110,000, which corresponds to one-third of the total."

Each local government is investigating the symptom status of 194,781 domestic members and 65,000 trainees obtained from the Shincheonji Jesus Church headquarters. Among the total 212,324 members, 16,880 minors and 863 individuals with unknown addresses were excluded.

Among them, 1,638 symptomatic individuals were identified. Chief Coordinator Kim said, "These individuals have been immediately placed under self-quarantine and will undergo diagnostic testing," adding, "As for asymptomatic individuals, health centers are conducting active monitoring through phone calls and other means."

In particular, members working in high-risk occupations such as medical institutions, nursing institutions, and care facilities were urged not to voluntarily go to work and to stay at home. Kim emphasized, "We have requested this from the Shincheonji Jesus Church headquarters," and added, "If cooperation is insufficient, we plan to take strong measures."

The government also plans to investigate entry and exit records for all members. Kim said, "We will continue to investigate entry and exit records and whereabouts," and added, "We will make every effort to conduct a thorough survey of Shincheonji members."